Tailor-Made Fun:


Your Personalized

Gaming Guide

Group9: Mingqian Liu, Xin Xiang, Yanfeng Zhang

Introduction

What I am all about.

Introduction


Welcome to the world of video games, where pixelated graphics and button-mashing skills reign supreme. Whether you're a fan of classic titles like Super Mario Bros. or prefer the intense battle royale action of Fortnite, there's no denying that video games are a cultural phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. With the rise of gaming, the industry has exploded with new titles, genres, and platforms that cater to every type of player. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose a video game that suits your interests, schedule, and preferences. Are you a fan of action-packed games that keep you on the edge of your seat? Or do you prefer simulation games that allow you to escape into a virtual world? Do you have limited time to play, or are you able to invest hours upon hours into a game?

Our Goal


Our mission is to help viewers find the perfect game that suits their unique preferences. Our project aims to analyze video games based on their genres, playtime, popularity, ratings, and prices. Through a series of visualizations and data analysis, our project will showcase the various genres of video games and provide insight into the most popular titles within each genre. From action-packed shooters to immersive role-playing games, our guide will provide you with all the information needed to find the game that suits your style. So whether you're a busy professional, a young gamer, or just looking for a new way to pass the time, we've got you covered. Get ready to embark on a new gaming adventure, tailor-made just for you.

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a 2017 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles. The game is a part of The Legend of Zelda series and is set at the end of its timeline. The player controls an amnesiac Link, who awakens from a hundred-year slumber and is tasked with saving Princess Zelda and preventing Calamity Ganon from destroying the world.

Release Date: March 3, 2017

Developer: Nintendo

Last position: 1

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a 2018 crossover fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fifth[b] installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, succeeding Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (2014). The game follows the series' traditional style of gameplay: controlling one of the various characters, players must use differing attacks to weaken their opponents and knock them out of an arena. It features a wide variety of game modes, including a campaign for single-player and multiplayer versus modes. Ultimate features 89 playable fighters, including all characters from previous Super Smash Bros. games alongside newcomers. The roster ranges from Nintendo mascots to characters from third-party franchises.

Release Date: December 7, 2018

Developer: Nintendo

Last position: 2

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Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. An entry in the Super Mario series, it follows Mario and his new ally Cappy—a sentient hat that allows Mario to control other characters and objects—as they journey across various kingdoms to save Princess Peach from his nemesis Bowser's plans of forced marriage. In contrast to the linear gameplay of prior entries, the game returns to the primarily open-ended, 3D platform gameplay featured in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine.

Release Date: October 27, 2017

Developer: Nintendo

Last position: 3

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a social simulation game developed and published by Nintendo in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch; it is the fifth main entry in the Animal Crossing series. In New Horizons, the player controls a character who moves to a deserted island after purchasing a getaway package from Tom Nook, accomplishes assigned tasks, and develops the island as they choose. They can gather and craft items, customize the island, and develop it into a community of anthropomorphic animals.

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Developer: Nintendo

Last position: 4

About Data

The introduction for Dataset

The datasets we used for this project can be accessed at [link of the datasets]. There are three datasets in total, each providing valuable information about video games. The ‘steam.csv’ and the ‘video game sales with ratings.csv’ contain observations of various video games developed over the last two decades, including details on the developer, genre, ratings, playtime, sales, and more. These games were developed by various developers such as Valve and EA, and are available on different platforms including PC and PlayStation. In our analysis, we will be mainly using these two dataset explaining the association between the success of a video game and the unique features of the game. The ‘video-games-developers.csv’ data focuses on video game developers in the industry, recording their location, year of establishment, and notable game series. In the analysis, we will use this dataset as a supplement when discussing the relationship with developers and the popularity of video games. Together, these datasets provide a comprehensive view of the gaming industry and will serve as the foundation for our analysis.

Table-1: Video Game Data Example

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Exploration

I build the real value.

1. Popularity

2. Price

3. Playtime

4. Scores

Explore 1: Popularity

Back to Exploration

When it comes to the world of video games, popularity is a crucial factor in defining a game's success. In this section, we'll take a deep dive into the general popularity of video games by genre, examining both the current number of players and total sales of video games. While we can't know for certain why each player selects a certain genre, understanding which genres are most popular can help us identify trends and find a potential one-size-fits-all game that all players should start with. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, knowing which genres are the most popular can help you narrow down your options and find the game that's right for you. So let's dive in and explore!

Exploration 1.1: Player Number


Figure-1: The Number of Current Player for the Top 100 Video Games

(Innovative-view with Tooltip)

Figure-1:This interactive bubble plot displays the top 100 video games, with each bubble representing a game and its size indicating the number of players. By examining the color distribution, we can quickly identify the most popular game genres and gather specific details about the top-performing games through tooltips.

We manually recorded the top 100 video games from the official Steam record, which provides up-to-date information on the most popular games. Choosing the top 100 video games provides a representative sample of the most popular and widely played games in the market, as it's often observed that the top 100 games account for a significant portion of the total player count and revenue generated by the gaming industry. Using this data, we created a bubble chart that visually displays each game as a bubble, with the color indicating the game's genre and the size of the bubble representing the number of current players. The chart reveals that action games are the most popular, accounting for 61% of the top 100 rankings. These fast-paced games with intense gameplay mechanics clearly have a broad appeal among players. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2 are the top two most popular games with the highest number of current online players. In contrast, simulation games also have a significant presence in the top 100, accounting for 18% of the rankings. With just a quick glance at the bubble chart, you can easily see the relative popularity of each game, with more detailed information about each game available in the tooltip of the bubbles. Understanding the popularity of video games by genre can be a useful starting point for finding the perfect game that's right for you.

Action 61%
Casual 6%
RPG 8%
Simulation 18%
Strategy 7%

Exploration 1.2: : Game Sales


Sales are a good measure of popularity, as a good game will undoubtedly sell well. By examining video game sales by genre and region, we hope to provide valuable insights into the popularity of different types of games among consumers. Understanding the sales trends of different genres can help game developers and marketers create games that appeal to a wider audience, while also providing gamers with the information they need to find the best games for their preferences.

Figure-2: Distribution of Game Sales by Genres and Regions

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Figure-2: This circular bar plot visualizes game sales by genre and region, with each bar representing a specific genre, its length indicating sales volume, and the color denoting the sales region. This layout allows us to easily compare sales volumes and identify the most popular genres in each region, offering valuable insights into global gaming industry trends.

From this radar chart, we see the Action game genre leads the sales dominantly with an overall 1.5k million. Sports and shooter games closely follow, with over 1k million sales. Strategy, puzzle, and simulation games have lower sales, possibly because their prices are usually cheaper than other types of games. By examining sales across different genres, we can gain insights into which types of games are the most popular among consumers. Interestingly, the radar plot also revealed regional differences in video game sales. In most genres of games, sales came mostly from the NA region. However, for role-playing games, a significant amount of sales came from Japan, implying that the Japanese market prefers role-playing games.

Explore 2:
Price

Back to Exploration

Let's face it - being a gamer can be expensive. From the latest AAA titles to indie gems, video games can quickly add up, leaving many players wondering if they can afford to keep up with the latest releases. This is especially true for younger players who may not have the financial means to invest in pricier games. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the pricing for different types of games across various platforms. We'll analyze the average price range for popular genres like action, simulation, RPG, and sports games, and compare the pricing structure across different platforms such as consoles, PC, and mobile devices. By examining the cost of games in different genres and on different platforms, we aim to provide you with valuable insights into the affordability of video games. This analysis will help you make informed decisions and find the best games that fit your budget. After all, just because a game is expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's the best or most enjoyable. Whether you're a budget-conscious gamer or simply looking to maximize the value of your gaming experience, this section is for you. So let's get started and find the perfect game that fits your budget.

Figure-3: Distribution of Steam Game Prices by Genre

(Tooltip-view)

Figure-3: This Violin plot showcases the pricing distribution across various game genres, with each Violin representing a genre and its width indicating the density of game prices. The horizontal orientation of the Violins enables us to clearly compare genres, while the dashed line signifies the average price across all games. The interactive tooltip, when hovering over a Violin, reveals the genre's name and price statistics, such as average price, median, and standard deviation.


Figure-4: Percentage of Game Genres in Different Price Ranges

(Tooltip-view)

Price Range

  • Free
  • $1-$10
  • $10-$20
  • $20-$50
  • $50-$500

Figure-4: This Radar Chart effectively compares the distribution of game genres within five price ranges, using corners to represent genres and distinct colors for each price range. We can interpret the chart by examining the varying width of the colored segments within each genre, with wider segments signifying a higher percentage of games in that price range. Interactive tooltips and hover effects provide additional information, aiding us in understanding the distribution of genres across price ranges.

To gain insights into video game pricing by genre, we used a radar plot to visualize the average prices of the 10 most popular genres of video games. The radar plot enabled us to compare the average prices of video games across different genres in a single chart. Each genre was plotted on the outer circle, with the pricing data for each genre plotted inside the circle. The circle was divided into five colored circles that represented different price ranges, allowing us to quickly see the distribution of game prices in each genre.

The radar plot revealed some interesting trends in video game pricing. We found that the most expensive games, priced between $50 and $500, were typically action, simulation, and sports games. These genres are often associated with high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay experiences, which can drive up their price. In contrast, we found that indie and casual games were more prevalent in the $1 to $10 price range, making them a great option for budget-conscious gamers. Additionally, the radar plot showed that RPG games had a larger range of prices, indicating that gamers could find RPGs at different price points.

Explore 3: Playtime

The introduction for Dataset

Back to Exploration

Playtime is often a critical consideration for individuals seeking a new gaming experience. As the video game industry has expanded, the gaming community has diversified to include not only teenagers but also people with full-time jobs and daily responsibilities. Our objective is to analyze the median playtime for different game genres, assisting gamers in selecting a game that accommodates their schedules and preferences.

Figure-5: Median playtime of video games by genres


Figure-5: The ridgeline plot showcases the log-transformed median playtime distribution for each game genre, allowing gamers to select a game that best suits their schedule and preferences. By examining the density plots, we can quickly compare playtime trends and identify the most common playtimes across different genres. The more right-skewed the distribution is, the longer median playtime it has.

In this section, we analyzed the median playtime for each genre of video game and visualized our findings using a ridgeline plot. ytime for each genre of video game and visualized our findings using a point distribution plot. Our analysis revealed that RPG and Adventure games typically require the most time investment, with a log-transformed median playtime between 5-7.5 hours. These genres are known for their immersive storylines and complex gameplay mechanics, which can require a significant investment of time to complete. Gamers who enjoy RPG and Adventure games should plan their time accordingly and be prepared for a long-term gaming experience. In contrast, action, Indie, and simulation games have a shorter log-transformed median playtime of between 2-5 hours. These genres offer engaging gameplay experiences that can be completed in a shorter time frame. Gamers who prefer fast-paced, action-packed gameplay will likely find these genres more appealing. Gamers who have limited time to play should consider these genres, as they offer a great gaming experience without requiring a significant time investment.

Explore 4:
Scores

Back to Exploration

Scores - the ultimate measure of a video game's worthiness. In this section, we will delve into video game scores to help games find the best games that fit their preferences and constraints. Scores or ratings are crucial when deciding to purchase a game because they provide insight into the quality of the game. After all, no one wants to waste their money on a game that's rated poorly. Unlike other factors such as sales, prices, and playtime, which can be subjective, scores are evaluations from true users and gamers. We will present two visualizations that allow viewers to compare scores across different genres of video games. The interactive Parallel Categories Diagram chart and the facet distribution histograms that we provide allow viewers to identify highly regarded games by both critics and users.

Exploration 4.1: Correlation Analysis



Figure-6: Correlation Analysis of Game Attributes and Scores


(Innovative-view, Linked-view with Tooltip)

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Figure-6: This Parallel Categories diagrams allows users to explore the relationship between game scores and selected categorical features using parallel categories diagrams and scatter plots. By clicking different colors with the user input buttons and circle different point areas from the scatter plot or category areas from parallel diagrams, users can compare the distribution of game features and scores between two subsets. The eraser button enables users to reset the color scheme and start a new comparison. This interactivity provides a powerful tool for investigating the relationship between game features and scores, and can help identify patterns and trends in the data.

In this set of visualizations, we connected a scatterplot of user score vs. critic score with the parallel categories diagram to create an interactive effect that allows viewers to examine the relationship between user scores and critic scores more closely. By looking at the scatterplot alone, we can detect a moderate increasing linear relationship between the user score and the critic score. There is a cluster on the upper right corner of the scatterplot, which indicates that games with high user scores are most likely to have high critic scores as well. However, for games with user scores between 4-7, the critic scores tend to have a larger range, meaning that users may not always agree with the opinions of the critics. Interestingly, it is very common to find games with low user scores but still have a critic score higher than 80.

On the scatterplot, viewers are able to circle the area they want to view on the parallel categories diagram for the selected data. The parallel categories diagram shows the links between different factors such as the game's category, publisher, and platform. By examining the relationships between these factors, viewers can gain a better understanding of the patterns and trends within the data. Additionally, viewers can choose two different colors and select two areas of data to compare the information on the parallel categories.

Exploration 4.2: Distribution Analysis


Figure-7: Distribution of the Positive and Negative Ratings by Genres


(Tooltip-view)

Figure-7: This distribution plot illustrates the proportion of positive and negative ratings for each game genre, providing valuable insights into highly-regarded games. By comparing histograms, we can easily identify the rating trends and differences across various genres. The more left-skewed the positive score distribution is and the more right-skewed the negative score distribution is, the more games in that genre are given good feedback and are worth playing. That includes our analysis on the rating and score section.

In this set of visualizations, we display the distribution of the rate of positive and negative ratings for each genre of video games. The x-axis represents the rate of each type of rating from 0 to 100%. The more left-skewed the positive rating distribution is and the more right-skewed the negative rating distribution is, the more games in that genre are given good feedback and are definitely worth playing. We found that most Indie games and Action games have really high rates for positive ratings and low rates for negative ratings, indicating that these two genres are generally well-regarded by users. Simulation games have the most balanced distribution for both positive and negative ratings, suggesting that there is a 50-50 chance of selecting a well-rated game in this genre. We recommend gamers to do more research when selecting a simulation game to play. These visualizations allow viewers to compare the distribution of positive and negative ratings across different genres of video games and make informed decisions about which games to play. By examining the distribution of ratings, viewers can identify genres that are generally well-regarded and worth playing.

Method

Plotly

- Histograms with Plotly Express
- Violin Plot

D3.js

- Bubble Plot
- Circular Barplot
- Radar Chart
- Parallel Diagram

Altair

- Ridgeline Plot




Click to get more detailed method information for each visualization


Conclusion

In conclusion, we've spent countless hours analyzing the world of video games to bring you our Tailor-Made Fun: Your Personalized Gaming Guide project, and we're excited to provide you with our recommendations. First, when it comes to popularity, action games are the clear winner, but don't overlook simulation games, which have a significant presence in the top rankings. For those on a budget, indie games are generally more affordable and have high rates of positive feedback. When it comes to playtime, role-playing and adventure games tend to require more hours, while action, indie, and simulation games have a shorter median playtime. Our scores analysis showed simulation games have the most balanced distribution for both positive and negative ratings, so we recommend conducting thorough research before selecting a game in this genre. Finally, when it comes to pricing, action, simulation, and sports games tend to be on the higher end of the price range, while Indie and casual games are more affordable. However, it's important to remember that price isn't everything, and that some highly rated games may be worth splurging on.

Contacts

Contact Us.

ANLY-503
Advanced Data Visualization Group9
Mingqian Liu
ml2078@georgetown.edu
Xin Xiang
xx123@georgetown.edu
Yanfeng Zhang
yz1045@georgetown.edu
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